Rajasthan Royals break silence on Sanju Samson's exit ahead of IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have responded to growing rumors about skipper and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson leaving the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The Jaipur-based franchise posted a cryptic message, leaving fans unsure whether Samson will remain with the team or join another franchise.

Sanju Samson may end his 11-year-long association with the Royals. There have been rumors on social media about his possible departure. Neither Samson nor the franchise has officially commented. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have expressed interest in signing him.

RR Has Meant the World to Me - Sanju Samson

On the ‘Kutti Stories’ podcast, Sanju Samson responded to a question from former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin with a laugh. However, rumors about his future with the Royals state he is likely to leave the team. The situation surrounding Samson and RR remains full of suspense, much like a thriller.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Samson has acknowledged the significant role RR have played in his career. He joined the team as a teenager and impressed even Rahul Dravid. Samson and RR have shared many highs and lows over the years. He led the team to the IPL final in 2022, where they lost to the Gujarat Titans (GT).

"RR has meant the world to me. A small child coming from a village in Kerala, wanting to show his talent. And then Rahul (Dravid) sir and Manoj Badale sir gave me a stage to get up and show the world what I am made of,” said Samson.

Rajasthan Royals Respond to Sanju Samson’s Recent Comments

The Rajasthan Royals have officially responded to Sanju Samson’s recent comments by posting a social media message quoting him and a heart emoji. The tone of the post and the reactions suggest it might be a farewell rather than a continuation of their partnership.

💗 pic.twitter.com/FFbHfnqUzL

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 10, 2025

Samson expressed heartfelt thanks to Rahul Dravid and the franchise’s owner, Manoj Badale, for giving him the platform. Speculation arose following reported disagreements between Samson and the team management. Head coach Rahul Dravid had to address these rumors during IPL 2025.

14-year-old batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi showcased his batting skills in Samson’s absence last season. After recovering from injury, Samson had to bat at No. 3. The franchise also appears to groom Riyan Parag as their future captain.

Sanju Samson has been a Key Player for the Rajasthan Royals Since 2013

Sanju Samson has been a key player for the Rajasthan Royals since his debut in 2013. He has scored over 4,000 runs for RR in 149 IPL matches at an average of 31.1 and a strike rate above 140. After a brief stint with Delhi Capitals from 2016 to 2017, he returned to the Royals in 2018.

The Kerala-born cricketer became their most successful captain, leading them to 33 victories. He scored 531 runs at an average near 48 and a strike rate of 153.47 during IPL 2024.

Before the mega auction, Samson was one of six players retained by RR for ₹18 crore. However, IPL 2025 was challenging for him. He played just nine matches out of 14 due to a side strain, with Riyan Parag stepping up as stand-in captain. The Royals finished ninth, winning only four games.

There has been speculation about a possible transfer to Chennai Super Kings, who are reportedly planning a transition period due to uncertainty over the remaining years of MS Dhoni’s career.

Also read: Virat Kohli frontrunner as BCCI directs Gautam Gambhir to dictate Indian legends' future